Top Scholars, Leaders Recognized on Campus at 2014 UA Honors Day

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama honored its top students for their academic achievements and leadership Friday, April 4, during the Honors Day Tapping Ceremony, the highlight of UA’s annual Honors Week, March 31-April 6.

Recipients of UA’s Premier Awards were recognized. These top awards, given by the UA president, include the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the William P. Bloom Scholarship Award, the John Fraser Ramsey Award, the Morris Lehman Mayer Award and the Catherine Johnson Randall Award.

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award recognizes excellence of character and service to humanity. The award honors one man and one woman of the graduating class and one non-student associated with UA. Winners of the Sullivan Award are Kirkland Back, of Gadsden, Margaret Garner (faculty) and David Phelps, of New Orleans.

The William P. Bloom Scholarship Awardhonors a junior who has improved intergroup relations within the University community; this year’s winner isAl-Karim Gilani, of Flower Mound, Texas.

TheJohn Fraser Ramsey Awardrecognizes in a junior the versatility of gifts and attainments, as well as the breadth of excellence in mind and character, that have traditionally been the goals of a liberal education. The recipient of the Ramsey Award is Brian McWilliams, of Wexford, Pa.

The Morris Lehman Mayer Awardrecognizes one graduating senior and one member of the teaching faculty who exemplify integrity, selfless service and leadership at UA and in the community. Caroline Fulmer (faculty) and Mary Sellers Shaw, of Birmingham, are the recipients of the Mayer Award.

The Catherine Johnson Randall Awardrecognizes the most outstanding graduating senior based on GPA, rigor of course study and extraordinary scholarly or creative endeavor. Joshua Moon, of Arlington, Tenn., is this year’s recipient of the Randall Award.

The Frances S. Summersell Award, sponsored by UA’s Iota Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, was given to Dr. Samory Pruitt. This award recognizes an individual or individuals who have aided the educational mission of the University and improved the quality of life in the state.

Dr. Shane Sharpe was named recipient of the ODK Living LegendAward in recognition of contributions to the goals and ideals of higher education.

The Walter R. Guyton Student Service Award was presented to Lucy Arnold Sikes. The Guyton Award recognizes outstanding commitment to the service of UA students.

The National Alumni Association recognizes and honors one male and one female in the senior class to receive the Alumni Student Award. The recipients of the 2013 Alumni Student Awards are Kelsey Beth Gibson, of Tuscaloosa, and Joshua David Moon, of Arlington, Tenn.

The NAA also recognizes and honors students in the senior class. The students have excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, shown strength of character and maturity, and displayed exceptional hospitality toward guests and friends of the University.

The purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Awards is to honor alumni of The University of Alabama for their loyalty and service to the University and to the NAA. Recipient selection is also based on character, professional achievements and community service at the local, state or national levels. The Distinguished Alumna Award recipient isCamille Maxwell Elebash, of Tuscaloosa. Robert E. Luckie III, of Birmingham, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Excellence in Teaching by a Master’s Student: Kirsten Bone, College of Arts and Sciences, department of English.

Excellence in Teaching by a Doctoral Student: Erin Chandler, College of Arts and Sciences, department of English.

Excellence in Research by a Master’s Student: Kemar James, College of Engineering, department of mechanical engineering.

Excellence in Research by a Doctoral Student: Jaejin Lee, College of Engineering, department of electrical and computer engineering.

Outstanding Service by a Graduate Student: Lisa Beck, College of Arts and Sciences, department of psychology.

UA students were also inducted into these campuswide honoraries:

Omicron Delta Kappa -The purpose of ODK is to recognize students who have attained high standards in collegiate activities, to inspire others to strive for similar attainments, and to bring together students in all areas of college life: scholarship, athletics, campus or community service, social and religious activities, campus government, journalism, speech and mass media and creative and performing arts.

Blue Key Honor Society– Blue Key was one of the first honor societies at the University. Blue Key members are selected during the spring semester of their junior year and must represent high scholastic ideals, leadership and diversity of background. Selection is one of the highest honors bestowed on rising seniors.

Anderson Society – Anderson Society is a senior honorary comprised of 24 members who are chosen in recognition of their significant contributions to the University. The society seeks to promote high academic standards as well as excellence in student leadership and service.

Mortar Board – Election to Mortar Board, a national honor society, is based on leadership, scholarship and service. It is one of the highest honors that can be granted to seniors. Members must display outstanding dedication to service and leadership.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is experiencing significant growth in both enrollment and academic quality. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.